PERTH – After years of anticipation, Australia’s west coast will welcome the Octagon® for the very first time this week, as UFC® 221, presented by AirAsia, finds a home in Perth, Western Australia. Perth Arena will play host to the sold-out inaugural live event on Sunday, February 11.

Ahead of the weekend’s battle in the Octagon®, China’s MMA rising star, UFC welterweight Li Jingliang (14-4, fighting out of Beijing, China) spent some time visiting parts of the Swan Valley, including a stop at Caversham Wildlife Park. Li interacted with some of Australia’s native wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, quokkas, black swans and various bird life such as the kookaburra.

​"There are a lot of different animals here that I’ve never seen before in China. Every country has their own unique features,” UFC welterweight, Li Jingliang said. “I’m getting ready for the fight so I’m very tired, but seeing all these animals and a bit of Australia has made me very happy.”

On a four-fight winning streak, Li is looking to continue his stampede in the welterweight division with a victory against homeboy favourite Jake Matthews (12-3, fighting out of Melbourne, Australia). With notable wins over Zak Ottow, Frank Camacho, Bobby Nash and Dhiego Lima, the 29-year old will be looking to showcase his striking and wrestling skills and prove again why he is China’s most impressive MMA athlete today.